It is no secret that support, and involvement of the local church pastors is a key element in the success of a Tres Dias community. But we pastors can be a difficult crowd to reach at times. So how does a community go about it?  While there isn’t a single foolproof answer, there are things that communities can do that will give them the best possible chance to ensure good relationships with local ministers. 

One of the most important things that communities can do is to be intentional in contacting pastors.  Pescadores should be sure to share their experience in an open and forthright way, answering questions and giving information that will help the pastor understand the purpose and goals of Tres Dias and the impact that it can/will have on the members of the local church.  This will not only supply needed information, but also help to remove any of the suspicion and doubt that may have possibly been caused from internet misinformation, the perceptions of clicks or secret clubs, or a bad experience from another member. Invite pastors to be a part of a Reunion group time and/or open Secuelas will allow them to see and hear others sharing.  A community can host a dinner or luncheon for local pastors and share the Tres Dias model and methods with them while fielding questions and concerns that they may have.  Sponsoring pastoral couples is, of course, a fantastic way to expose them to the truth and impact of Tres Dias as well.  But, in my opinion, the most effective way to share the life changing experience that Tres Dias offers is to be the kind of servant leader in your local church that has a significant impact on the ministries and effectiveness of the body, while being a blessing to their pastors and others; truly living the 4^th day. 

Another question that I receive often is how we can ensure that our Spiritual Directors will be the kind of ministers that cooperate and enhance the Tres Dias ministry and not “go off script” so to speak.  The answer is proper and thorough training. Being a pastor, minister, or teacher, even one with an abundance of experience does not automatically mean that one will be effective as a Spiritual Director in the Tres Dias ministry. Communities must be diligent in ensuring that new Spiritual Directors have excellent tutelage and mentoring by those who are already effective SDs. This can be accomplished by a community Head SD, a weekend committee, Spiritual Director committee, or any other effective means. One thing that I developed in our community is an SD shadowing program. New Spiritual Directors are assigned to a team/weekend as an SD in training. They attend all team meetings, are involved in all strategy and logistical sessions involving the Spiritual Directors, and attend the weekend as a Spiritual Director, yet they have no responsibilities on the weekend. Their goal is to shadow the Spiritual Directors on the weekend; go where they go, hear what they hear, see what they do.  This allows them to see the ministry from the “other side”, familiarizing them with all that is involved and required, while being able to ask questions, take in different approaches and techniques, all while not having the pressure of having to “perform” before they are familiar and ready. 

Communities that will use these and other effective methods, will see more involvement and support from the local church pastors.

John Milam
Head of the Clergy Advisory Board
Tres Dias, Inc.